KAMPALA — The government is reportedly preparing to establish a committee chaired by Caleb Akandwanaho aka Gen Salim Saleh to explore the possible release of detained opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, signalling a potential new push to resolve a politically sensitive case that has dragged on for two years now.
The proposed committee is expected to spearhead discussions on Besigye’s possible release, with Saleh, the younger brother of President Yoweri Museveni and a senior presidential adviser on defence and security, emerging as the central figure in the reported initiative.
The move follows earlier indications by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba that Saleh had been given authority by Museveni to handle the Besigye matter.
In an August 25 statement on X, Muhoozi said: “Dr. Kizza Besigye will be handled by Afande Saleh. If he wants forgiveness he should talk to Afande Saleh. Mzee has given Afande SS those powers.”
The remarks raised the possibility of a political intervention outside the courtroom, although Muhoozi did not specify what such an arrangement would involve or whether it would lead to the withdrawal of charges against Besigye.
Saleh’s reported role also follows an earlier attempt to bring him together with Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago at his base in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District.
According to reports, the meeting, which was expected to form part of efforts to find a way out of the ongoing treason proceedings, was postponed in early September after Besigye and Lukwago reportedly became too ill to travel.
The proposed committee would mark another attempt to pursue a negotiated resolution to the standoff surrounding Besigye’s detention.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and founding leader of the Forum for Democratic Change, is facing treason charges alongside his aide, Haji Obeid Lutale, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola. Prosecutors allege that the accused participated in meetings in Uganda and abroad as part of a plan to overthrow the government by force. They have denied the allegations.
His continued detention has attracted attention because of concerns about his health and repeated calls by his family, lawyers and political allies for his release on medical grounds.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has repeatedly demanded that he be freed to receive specialised medical care outside prison. Besigye’s health has been a major concern, particularly following reports that he required hospital treatment after collapsing during a court appearance.
The legal proceedings have also been marked by disputes over his legal representation and repeated attempts to secure bail.
The reported initiative involves establishing a committee specifically tasked with exploring Besigye’s possible release, with Saleh expected to chair the discussions. The plan was reported by the government-owned New Vision newspaper, which outlined the proposed committee and Saleh’s anticipated leadership role.
However, the committee’s membership, terms of reference, proposed timetable and the participation of Besigye or his representatives remain unclear. There has been no formal announcement of an agreement to release Besigye or discontinue the criminal proceedings.
In the proceedings in court, a Mzungu witness gave his side of the story in Besigye’s absence.
